ALL NOVEL Chapter 30
Hyun-su was more intense than I imagined.
“Shall we try just once… no, twice more?”
“More from here?”
“Ah… shall we take a break for now?”
“Yes, let’s take a break for a bit…”
Unlike the vocal teacher’s words that it would be easier to get direct feedback after one visit, being right there meant Hyun-su was continuously adding raw and real-time feedback.
Moreover, he just kept giving feedback, but since my vocal skills were quite lacking, it took quite a while to properly implement each piece of feedback.
Feeling somewhat guilty about that during our break, I apologized to Hyun-su, who shook his head and said,
“It’s okay. Honestly, you always seem to manage things, even if it takes time, right? There were a few pieces of feedback I wondered if I could handle myself.”
Hearing that response nearly made me throw a punch.
This guy… was giving me difficult feedback? No wonder it felt damn hard.
Still, since he was in a superior position, I gritted my teeth and said to Hyun-su,
“Then can’t you make it a bit easier?”
“Um… I’m sorry… Since you seem to do well, I find myself wanting more…”
If you’re going that far with your words…
Right.
It makes sense that rigor would improve skills and yield better results, right?
“Then when I become famous later, you have to accept my song requests.”
“Songs?”
“Yes.”
“What kind of…?”
I subtly checked that Ah-young was away and leaned closer to Hyun-su, whispering,
“Help me out when I make an original song as a VTuber.”
Ah-young doesn’t know I’m Miro, the VTuber.
When I signed my contract as Hyun, Hyun-su also didn’t bother telling others I was a VTuber.
“Ah… but can’t Kim Soo-hyun just debut?”
When Hyun-su heard my question, he looked puzzled as he said,
“Debut?”
“Yes, with your vocal skills, it seems you could refine them a bit, release a debut song, and gain popularity in no time.”
Debuting as a singer…
I don’t know how it might go with music, but I do have confidence in my looks.
After all, I have plenty of memories from the female Kim Soo-hyun, receiving business cards from well-known agencies.
However…
“Um… I haven’t really thought about it.”
Is it really that necessary?
I don’t have any greed for money, nor do I seem to have much desire for fame.
I just want to live a life where I can do what suits me and get along well with those around me.
One could say that’s a difficult thing to accomplish, but haven’t I already achieved some of it?
The broadcasts are fun, and I’m starting to earn a decent income. My relationships with those around me are also quite stable…
In fact, the life of Miro, the VTuber, where I can freely do what I want, might be better than the somewhat restricted life of a celebrity.
I get a jolt just thinking about words I said on air being seen as if a celebrity said them.
Hyun-su hesitated for a moment before cautiously asking,
“Is that so… then would you consider coming to my solo concert if I have one in the future?”
“A solo concert?”
“Yes, it may feel far off now, but I’d like to do it someday. And I really want to sing Wonderland during the concert.”
Featuring at a solo concert?
One could call it a guest appearance.
I gazed at Hyun-su, pondering.
His well-done bleached hair and the school uniform that looked private made him seem youthful, but he was only two years younger than me.
However, given that he had already released an album at this young age and gained some recognition in the industry, he could be considered a genius.
If he’s pouring himself into work in the studio, claiming to be making an album, wouldn’t he be shooting up to fame before long and holding a solo concert?
I imagined Hyun-su holding a solo concert, performing, then nodded.
“As long as it’s not too early… that sounds fine. I’ll practice a lot.”
“Ah… so you’ll be appearing as a guest?”
At my positive response, Hyun-su’s eyes sparkled as he spoke.
He’s so delighted…
Isn’t that a little mischievous?
“Ah… but I have one condition.”
“A condition?”
“Yes, if you agree to this, I’ll definitely come out as a guest.”
“What is it?”
Well, I just said it for the fun of it, and I don’t expect much from Hyun-su.
If anything, just a random original song coming out from VTuber Miro?
But requesting something for a guest invitation seems a bit much…
“Can I drop the formalities since I’m two years older?”
Honestly, it felt a bit awkward to be formal with a high schooler in a uniform.
“Ah… sure.”
Hyun-su seemed a little flustered at my request to drop the formalities, but he quickly nodded.
“Okay. I’ll drop the formalities; just call me sister. Saying Kim Soo-hyun is awkward.”
“Ah yes… Sister Soo-hyun.”
“Um…”
“What’s wrong?”
“Oh, nothing; it sounds nice. Keep calling me that.”
Now that I think about it, has anyone ever called me ‘sister’ before?
In the memories of the female Kim Soo-hyun, I was somewhat used to hearing it from cousins.
But this feels like the first time I’m hearing it directly.
“What are you two talking about?”
At that moment, Ah-young, who had gone to the bathroom, returned.
“Oh, I just agreed to drop the formalities with Hyun-su.”
“Really? That’s nice! It was a bit awkward since Hyun-su was being so formal.”
Ah-young lightly patted my shoulder, looking satisfied, and sat on the sofa.
“By the way, Soo-hyun, your singing is amazing! I was shocked! I knew you had a good voice, but your tone is no joke.”
“Ah, thank you.”
“This isn’t just flattery. I’ve been to quite a few performances with the band, and I’ve heard a lot of singers, but you really have a natural tone.”
“Haha.. I know I was born with it.”
“Oh my, that’s a bit full of yourself.”
“I hear that a lot.”
Mainly from Hye-jeong.
Recently, I’ve been frequently showing Hye-jeong my drawings, and she says that each time.
“That’s even more annoying… By the way, Soo-hyun, have you ever thought about learning an instrument?”
“Instruments?”
“Look around. There are so many instruments here; how about learning one?”
I glanced around the sofa area as Ah-young spoke.
Sure enough…
From the drums occupying one corner to guitars, basses, and keyboards, all the band instruments were there.
“If you have an instrument you want to learn, just say it. When the others come, I’ll ask them to teach you. I bet they’d be thrilled if you said you wanted to learn.”
Ah-young’s suggestion was definitely tempting.
In all honesty, isn’t it a romantic notion to learn at least one instrument?
“If I were to learn, I’d like to learn the guitar.”
I could picture myself playing the guitar while singing.
Ah.. it would make for a fantastic music video.
I could probably cover my transportation costs even if I dropped it right in the middle of Salzburg, right?
“Oh.. Guitar’s great! I’ll mention it next time.”
“When are the others coming?”
“I’m not sure. They might not come at all.”
“Oh, I see?”
“Normally, we gather early, but today, everyone had their own reasons and will be late; I can play guitar moderately well too, do you want me to teach you right now?”
“That sounds good.”
I realized just how much money could be spent on music lessons from attending the vocal academy.
But to offer to teach for free? I should graciously accept that.
“Then, shall we start with the guitar for now?”
As I agreed to the offer to teach, Ah-young immediately stood up, grabbed a guitar nearby, and handed it to me.
“Can I use this?”
I looked down at the flashy guitar I received in a daze.
I heard Ah-young play drums, so doesn’t that mean this guitar has a different owner?
“Oh, it’s fine. You can use it. They’ve used my drums before too.”
“Oh, I see…”
It doesn’t really seem fine, but I grabbed the guitar all the same.
Feeling its heavier weight on my lap, I sensed something different.
“Alright, now… I’ll teach you how to hold the guitar; first, let’s put this around your neck… your arm goes here.”
Ah-young kindly instructed me on how to hold the guitar.
Following her guidance, I managed to strike a pose.
“Oh..”
Ah-young seemed to think the same, admiring my pose.
“You look really pretty. Like a photoshoot.”
“Really? Then please take a picture of me.”
“Oh! Sure, I’ll take a proper one.”
Upon my request for a photo, Ah-young took her phone out, posing like a photographer, while I crossed my legs and struck a pose.
“Okay, I’m taking it.”
“Yes, go ahead.”
Click-
With that, the photo was taken, and I looked at the picture Ah-young had taken.
The flashy guitar reflecting the owner’s personality and me holding it created a beautiful composition, almost like a painting.
“Wow- this is a great shot!”
“Right? You look like a total model.”
In that case… Should I send a picture to that guitar company?
I could even end up as a guitar model.
Even if I can’t play yet.
“Um… but when are we recording again?”
Just then, Hyun-su, who had been silently listening to our conversation, interjected.
Oh, right, we were just taking a short break.
“Hey, isn’t this a bit strict, Hyun-su? We can take our time, you know.”
“Actually, Soo-hyun noona has to leave for dinner, so I want to get things done before that.”
“Then let’s save learning the guitar for later and get right to recording.”
Since I was planning a broadcast later tonight…
It wouldn’t be good to stay out too late.
“Well, if it can’t be helped, come by often! I’ll teach you something each time; I’m the only girl here, so having a pretty girl around brightens up the workshop.”
“Haha… I’ll come by sometimes. Now, let’s get started.”
“Yes, come this way.”
Thus, recording began again. By the time we finished, the outside had turned completely dark.
“Thank you!”
After managing to produce results I was satisfied with, Hyun-su smiled brightly and thanked me.
“Well… I am being paid for this…”
“Still, I feel like I made too unreasonable a request… I’ll make sure to pay you well.”
“Okay. You must send me the song once it’s done, alright?”
I was just as curious about how Wonderland would turn out.
“Yes, I think Wonderland will be completed within this week, so I’ll send it right over.”
“Great, good work.”
After saying goodbye to Hyun-su, Ah-young approached me this time.
“Are you leaving already?”
“It’s already night, right?”
“It’s a shame… I wanted to introduce you to the others.”
In the end, everyone else in the band didn’t come today. They all had their own busy schedules and wouldn’t arrive until much later.
“Is that so? I feel a bit disappointed too; I wanted to see what they’re like.”
“They’d be more disappointed! I’ll definitely tell them a super pretty girl came but left.”
“Haha… I’d appreciate that if you do.”
“I’m not joking when I say come visit! If you’re nearby, drop by sometimes.”
“Sure.”
“And is it okay to contact you often?”
Exchanging the photos we took, we casually exchanged contact information.
“It’s fine. Actually, if I get stuck while practicing my guitar, I might reach out first, so please don’t think of it as too much trouble.”
And so, I decided to properly learn the guitar.
Seeing it made my interest grow, plus it could be useful for streams too. Since I have a lot of free time at home, I plan to practice by myself.
“Great! Just ask everything! Even if I have to pester the others, I’ll make sure they respond.”
“Well, thank you for that. I’ll take my leave now.”
“Take care!”
“Goodbye.”
With that, I left the workshop, saying my farewells to Ah-young and Hyun-su.
Three days later,
I received the completed version of Wonderland.